How do you make your Hydrangeas last at least three weeks?

We bet you’re not the only one who likes this flower with its wide variety of shapes and colors! There are two types of hydrangea, the spring/summer variation and the classic variation, which blooms from summer through to autumn. If you treat them right, Hydrangeas are very rewarding flowers and they can last for over 3 weeks in an arrangement or a bouquet.

The creative part we leave up to you, but here are some tips to enjoy the Hydrangea as long as possible.

1. Hydrangeas have a high energy and water need

Hydrangeas have a very strong transpiration and also need a lot of energy to maintain color and strength. Due to the enormous flower surface and thinness of their petals, the flower will wilt if there is not enough liquid available. If this happens, cut off about 3-4 cm of the stem with a sharp knife and place the flower in a cool, fresh and clean Chrysal Clear Universal flower food solution. This solution quickly hydrates the flower and boosts the energy level of the flower, which is vital for good vase life.

2. Outdoor grown Hydrangeas sometimes have a very wooden stem end

Dutch hydrangeas are produced in greenhouses, and their peak production is in spring until late fall. Abroad they can be grown outdoors and depending on the climate they will be available year-round. Outdoor grown Hydrangeas sometimes have a very wooden stem end. In case the flower starts to wilt, cut off that part of the stem.

3. White Hydrangeas can turn blueish

This is a real nightmare for every florist. White Hydrangeas – most of the time used for weddings – can turn blueish in the centre of the flower when you use a post-harvest product containing Aluminium sulphate. Therefore make sure the flower food or storage solution contains the word “Clear” as in Chrysal Clear Professional 2 for the storage period and Chrysal Clear Universal flower food or Chrysal Clear Professional 3 for the consumer phase.

About the different variations Hydrangeas

The Hydrangeas that are available in spring/summer are mostly uniform in colour and are not left on the plant to mature, instead they are harvested when fully opened. The classic variation, available in summer and autumn, can even last for months: these flowers change color and become papery. The pictures show how the color of a pink variety changes from fresh (2) to classic (4). Picture 1 shows the least vase and is not recommended to use.